Language
Country/Area
No result found
Dog shows in the Victorian era: How did they change the definition of dog breeds?
As society changed, dogs became more than just working partners, and Victorian dog shows took the appearance and characteristics of dogs to a whole new level. During this period, dog breeding began to focus not only on function but also on appearance characteristics, leading to important changes in the definition of dog breeds. Purposeful breeding is no longer just for hunting or guarding, but is developing in the direction of catering to human aesthetic and social needs.
During the Victorian era, the standardization of dog breeds led to a fundamental change in people's definition of a dog - one that focused on appearance and taste rather than function.
The rise of dog shows and the establishment of various dog breed associations have prompted people to clearly define the characteristics of dog breeds, which has also made the recognition and evaluation of dog breeds increasingly complex. For example, the English Mastiff Club, founded in 1873, became the first national breed club, and its establishment paved the way for breed standardization.
Background of the breed’s development
Before the Victorian era, dogs were classified mainly based on their functions, such as hunting, herding and guarding. The names of various dog breeds are mixed together, and names such as breed, type, strain, etc. may be used to describe a dog. Therefore, the breed standards formed during this period not only affected the appearance of dogs, but also changed people's social expectations of dogs.
"The Victorian era marked a turning point in canine breeding, as breeders focused on creating dogs with specific characteristics and aristocratic tastes."
With the holding of dog shows, breeders are widely watched and evaluated. If their dogs win awards, they will become the focus of society, which in turn affects the breeding direction of dog breeds and the public's preference. It can be said that dog shows in the Victorian era changed people's understanding and perception of dog breeds, making them not only tools but also symbols of status.
Importance of dog breed standardizationA breed standard is more than just a description of appearance; it also covers guidelines for behavioral traits and health status. These standards reflect breeders' expectations and establish a clear blueprint for future breeding. Dog breed organizations in different countries and regions, such as the Kennel Club in the UK and the International Canine Federation, are committed to maintaining and promoting these standards and improving the scientific nature of dog breeding worldwide.
"The standard of each dog breed is a summary of past history, representing the breeder's expectations for the future and the response to social needs."
Dog breed classification and types
The wide diversity of dogs is reflected in the different breeds, which are classified into many different types, including hunting dogs, working dogs, toy dogs, and more. The formation of these types is not only related to practicality, but also influenced by social culture. People's perception of dogs has gradually shifted from "functionality" to "aesthetics", which has allowed some dog breeds with less functionality to survive and become popular.
Current Impact and Future Outlook
Today, the definition and classification of dog breeds are no longer single, and the public's expectations and evaluations of dogs have become more diverse. When choosing a pet dog, people are increasingly paying attention to their personality and ability to get along with their family, rather than just considering their working ability and appearance characteristics. In this context, dog breeding and care are always intertwined with cultural needs.
So, as our understanding of dog culture deepens, should our definition of dog breeds also change?
